The Sandman Season 2, Vol. 2 is an odd but deeply touching set of episodes that concludes the Netflix adaptation—at least for now. Focusing on Dream’s inevitable doom, the latter half of the season feels more focused and ready to push toward the final arc that closes out this part of the story. With the series now wrapped—temporarily, at least—the conclusion feels earned, if a little rushed.
The final five episodes draw directly from Neil Gaiman’s celebrated Vertigo comics, staying true to the source material’s distinctive blend of mythic grandeur and meditative humanism, while still forging a unique identity on screen. A standalone episode centred on Death also works well as a palate cleanser to the strangely dour stretch of episodes focused on Dream.
As I alluded to earlier, where previous volumes of The Sandman often wandered through a maze of storylines and digressions, Vol 2 is less scattershot, zeroing in on Dream’s reckoning with his unmaking. As the Kindly Ones—the remorseless, vengeful Furies—pursue him for spilling family blood, Dream is thrust into a battle to save both the Dreaming and himself. This chapter doesn’t search for clever solutions to complex problems, but instead offers an introspective look at life: how the people around us shape our perspective, and when—even as an eternal being—you choose to submit to oblivion.
Tom Sturridge’s performance as Dream continues to be riveting, bringing gravitas and nuance as he navigates the tragic fallout of his choices. Dream’s internal conflict—his longing for absolution and his acceptance of consequence—drives the emotional core of the season. Through Sturridge, Dream becomes more than the aloof sovereign of dreams; he’s a figure haunted by his limitations and the pain rooted in his past actions.
While this latter part of the season focuses on Dream’s journey, the show still gives the supporting cast enough time to keep the audience engaged and eager to see where each of them ends up. Boyd Holbrook’s return as the Corinthian, Jenna Coleman’s sharp-witted Johanna Constantine and Ann Skelly’s determined fairy Nuala all add to a universe teeming with the eccentric and the dangerous.
Coleman and Holbrook’s chemistry is especially notable—their partnership unexpectedly charming amid the swirl of destruction. Skelly’s Nuala stands out as a symbol of quiet defiance, rallying magical beings to defend the Dreaming.
Everyone brings their A-game this season, and the final batch of episodes is no exception. While I had issues with the first half of Season 2, The Sandman remains a fantastic show overall. It gives these actors opportunities to showcase their range—balancing grand, emotional moments with subtle, introspective beats that make every performance feel powerful, yet strangely human.
“While I had issues with the first half of Season 2, The Sandman remains a fantastic show overall.”
The narrative arc rests heavily on themes of loss and legacy. Dream, who has long struggled to connect with mortals, is forced to confront grief and regret over his son, Orpheus. The tension between Dream’s otherworldly duties and his flawed sense of responsibility remains constant throughout. That said, Dream has never felt more human. He wrestles with conflicting emotions, and Tom Sturridge conveys all of it with subtle facial expressions and restrained gestures—giving even the stoic Dream a sense of purpose, direction and emotion.
The story avoids dividing characters along clear lines of good and evil. Instead, it embraces moral ambiguity—a reflection of humanity itself, even as the narrative edges into the cosmic. As Dream’s end draws near, the series lingers on the emotions and logistics of saying goodbye, building an atmosphere that’s both wistful and piercingly honest.
Visually, The Sandman remains striking for its bold design and immersive atmosphere. The ethereal yet menacing landscapes of the Dreaming are rendered in lush, imaginative detail, reinforcing the series’ dreamlike undercurrents without sacrificing dramatic clarity. Every frame feels carefully constructed, serving the story without tipping into excess.
Even the simpler real-world locations—like London—blend seamlessly into the universe the show is building. Though often fantastical and mind-bending, the series grounds its visuals in a kind of magical normalcy that leaves viewers wanting to know more.
While the pacing in the finale may feel accelerated—an understandable result of stitching together multiple storylines—the emotional beats mostly land. The rush to tie up plot threads makes some farewells feel abrupt, but the show still provides enough space for its characters to breathe. The payoff is a sense of completion for the world and its wonders, making the ending poignant, even as it moves through tragedy.
While the grand finale of Dream’s story may leave some viewers on a down note, Netflix closes things out with a side-story episode focused on Death and the one day off she takes every 100 years. Kirby Howell-Baptiste’s Death is mesmerizing, and the decision to give her a full episode was a brilliant one. It offers a welcome palate cleanser—hopeful and grounded—after the emotional weight of Dream’s final arc.
It’s a thoughtful closer, one that steps away from the series’ darker tones to show something more intimate and compassionate. Howell-Baptiste delivers a fantastic performance, making the episode a must-watch even for viewers who may have been thrown off by the main storyline’s tone.
With the series now complete, The Sandman Season 2, Vol 2 stands as a vibrant, imaginative farewell to Dream’s world. The performances are uniformly strong, the visuals remain striking, and the script is filled with sharp, meaningful exchanges. The adaptation honours the original’s complexity while making thoughtful choices for the medium, crafting an ending that is both devastating and cathartic—with a final episode that wraps things up in a way that feels satisfying and unexpected. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it’s an enthralling conclusion. The Dreaming will linger long after the credits fade.
